THE DANGERS OF SUCCESS

THE DANGERS OF SUCCESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 8
Judges 8:22–27 (KJV)
22 Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.
23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
24 And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.
26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels’ necks.
27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Deuteronomy 8:11–14; James 4:6

Description: Success without humility and vigilance can easily become a trap that leads to downfall.

INTRODUCTION:
Success is one of the greatest tests of character in a believer’s life. Many people cry out to God in seasons of weakness, lack, or oppression, and God mercifully grants them victory. Yet, it is often after victory that subtle dangers appear—temptations of pride, self-reliance, and misplaced devotion. Gideon’s story is a clear example of this reality.

Though Gideon refused the throne when the people offered it to him, his later actions contradicted his words. He took gold from the people and created an ephod which eventually became an idol to Israel. What started as an act that may have seemed harmless turned into a national snare that ensnared Gideon and his household.

The lesson here is timeless: victories and breakthroughs must be followed by humility and vigilance. Success is not the end of the battle; it is the beginning of new temptations that must be guarded against. If not, what should have been a testimony can become a trap.

1. SUCCESS BRINGS NEW TEMPTATIONS
Every new level of blessing comes with new levels of trial.

a) The temptation of power
After victory, Israel wanted Gideon to rule as king.

b) The temptation of pride
Success can make one think they are indispensable.

c) The temptation of compromise
Gideon used the gold to create an ephod, misdirecting worship.

d) The temptation of misplaced focus
Instead of pointing Israel back to God fully, Gideon left a snare.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah prospered greatly, but his heart was lifted up to his destruction (2 Chronicles 26:16).

2. FALSE HUMILITY IS STILL DANGEROUS
Outward refusal does not always reflect inward reality.

a) Gideon refused kingship verbally
He said, “I will not rule, the Lord shall rule over you.”

b) His actions contradicted his words
He lived in the wealth and honor of a king’s lifestyle.

c) True humility is consistent in word and deed
Humility is proven by action, not just speech.

d) Pride in disguise is still pride
God resists the proud, whether open or subtle.

Biblical Example: Saul claimed to be humble, but his disobedience revealed a proud heart (1 Samuel 15:17–23).

3. THE MISUSE OF BLESSINGS LEADS TO IDOLATRY
What God gives as a blessing must not become a replacement for Him.

a) Gideon turned gold into an ephod
What should have honored God became an idol.

b) Israel began to worship the ephod
The people shifted their devotion from God to a symbol.

c) Even good things can become idols
Family, money, ministry, or success can replace God if not guarded.

d) Idolatry always leads to bondage
What we elevate above God will eventually enslave us.

Biblical Example: The bronze serpent made by Moses later became an idol until Hezekiah destroyed it (2 Kings 18:4).

4. SUCCESS WITHOUT HUMILITY DESTROYS FUTURE GENERATIONS
The way we handle success affects those who come after us.

a) Gideon’s ephod became a snare to his family
The trap was not only for Israel but also his household.

b) Leadership decisions affect followers
When a leader errs, many suffer the consequences.

c) A good victory can be wasted by bad legacy
What Gideon built became a foundation for failure.

d) True success is sustained by humility and obedience
Only God-centered victories stand the test of time.

Biblical Example: Solomon’s success turned into failure when he allowed pride and idolatry to take root, affecting the whole nation (1 Kings 11:4–11).

CONCLUSION:
The story of Gideon teaches us that success is not the final destination, but a test of stewardship. How we handle victory is as important as how we fight battles. Pride, compromise, and idolatry can easily creep in when success is not handled with humility.

True greatness is not only in achieving victory but also in remaining humble, faithful, and obedient after the victory. To avoid Gideon’s mistake, we must constantly guard our hearts, remember the God who gave us success, and ensure that all glory always goes back to Him.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from the pride that comes with success.
2. Father, help me to remain humble no matter the height I attain.
3. Lord, may I never turn Your blessings into idols.
4. Father, guard my heart against subtle compromises.
5. Lord, let my success never become a snare to me or my family.
6. Father, give me grace to point people back to You after every victory.
7. Lord, protect me from the dangers that come after breakthroughs.
8. Father, help me to sustain victory through humility and obedience.
9. Lord, may my legacy be one that glorifies You.
10. Father, keep me vigilant and faithful after every success.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. Success is a test of your character.
2. True humility is shown in actions, not just words.
3. What you do with blessings matters more than the blessings themselves.
4. Beware: idols are often formed from God’s gifts.
5. False humility is still pride.
6. Success can destroy if it is not guarded with vigilance.
7. A snare in your life can become a snare to your family.
8. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
9. The end of true success is to glorify God.
10. Victory is sustained only by humility and obedience.